Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c29.s1.29

v2.c29.s1.29

All this time Madho Singh of Jaipur had been intriguing how to overthrow Maratha predominance in Rajputana. He sent envoys to Najib Khan, Yaqub Ali, and Shah Alam II to negotiate for an anti-Maratha coalition. Then, under the advice of his favourite minister Shāmrām Trivedi, he sent two forces of 4000 and 5,000 men under Raj Singh Chauhan and Nandlal diwan respectively to raid the villages of his refractory vassal Sardar Singh of Uniara (a Nārokā.) Madho himself issued from his capital, and after marrying at Ratlam (on 14 May), went towards Uniara to terrorize his vassal into paying tribute. Many other Rajput chiefs joined him, or promised to do so, such as the lords of Sopar (Indra Singh), Bundi, Kota, Kerauli and Khichi. He took up an attitude of open defiance to the Marathas: "The Rajah is determined to oppose us strongly. All the Shekhawats are coming . . . All the Rajahs and Rajwadas have planned to assemble at one place and form a grand political coalition." The approach of the rainy season compelled Malhar to put off his punishment till the next autumn, when the contest was fought to a quick decision. [SPD. xxix. 81. xxi. 91.]